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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
Buying still camera for Weddings

FreddyMedal
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Apr 14, 2005, 3:02 PM

Post #1 of 13 (2355 views)
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Buying still camera for Weddings	Can't Post

I know this may sound silly because we all do video, but I got one of those itches to buy a still camera (looking at Canon Digital Rebel SLR 6.2 meg) as I have only purchased Video Cameras to date. My question is are any of you using a still camera at all for weddings? My thought is to pull it out (the camera Tongue

), and get a couple stills to use for my DVD covers. Currently I pull a couple frames from the timeline, but I want a higher quality pic.

VU California Crew
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octoberpro
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Apr 14, 2005, 3:14 PM

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Re: [FreddyMedal] Buying still camera for Weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

You're on the right track! I have a Drebel and it works well enough as long as you know what you're doing. Get yourself some fast glass though if you plan on taking shots at the ceremony/reception.

You could get by with a cheap 50mm 1.8

No point in shooting pics for DVD covers that look like Uncle Charlie took them with a disposable. Tongue

mjeppsen
Veteran

Apr 14, 2005, 3:22 PM

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Re: [FreddyMedal] Buying still camera for Weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

Have you browsed the Photography for Videog's forum yet? http://www.videouniversity.com/...gforum.cgi?forum=18;
The Digital Rebel's are nice, so is the Nikon D70. I think I personally prefer the latter, having spent some time with both a 300D and D70. The Nikon might be a little pricier though? Can't remember.

Matt Jeppsen
www.FreshDV.com

alxtronics
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Apr 14, 2005, 5:08 PM

Post #4 of 13 (2292 views)
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Re: [mjeppsen] Buying still camera for Weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

Matt is right

I followed his advice, read countless reviews, comparisons, photo forums etc and decided for the Nikon D70.

I too itched for a nice camera to snap a few shots, and a little later feel the urge to upgrade from my Dimage A2.

But wichever brand / model you feel right with, will be the better choice for you. Do your homework, study your choices
before commit and from there learn and keep learning. (and upgrading)

My 2 cents

_________________________
Alejandro Pi�eyro
Visi�n Digital

Caterpillar
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Apr 14, 2005, 8:46 PM

Post #5 of 13 (2272 views)
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Re: [FreddyMedal] Buying still camera for Weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

), and get a couple stills to use for my DVD covers. Currently I pull a couple frames from the timeline, but I want a higher quality pic.

Not silly. Practical yes! Wink

Nikon d70 or canon 300d or the newer 350d or the XT will do. If you can wait a couple of months, there will be a Nikon d50 and an update to the nikon d70, the d70s. You can pick them with the standard kit lenses that go with them. They are ok. Not the best, but for what you intend to do, they will do all right.

My bias is for the Canon, just because I have Canon glass now (used to be Nikon). I would go for the 300d because it is cheap. But if you want the smaller size and portability, go for the 350d or the Rebel XT. It goes for U$1,000 for the kit. The 300D or Rebel-D goes for about U$700 kit. Of course, this is the base price. You can get lower deals for depending on the store.

I have done complete weddings with the 300d and the D60. So, your use is overkill. I have gotten great shots even with the "lowly" 18-55 kit lens. The 18-55 mk2 is now much better at the wide end, but this goes with the 350D. And these babies can give you 500-600 shots per battery charge even with flash used. So, you can shoot about 700-800 without flash. Since you won't be shooting an entire wedding, one battery is enough.

If you want light, small, but dslr image quality and low noise, you can opt for the 350D. You can also choose the D70. But if you want to avail of the newer technologies of Nikon, go for the D50 or D70s when it comes out. They likely will be in the same price points of the 300d and 350d.

-Caterpillar
Caterpillar

KevinShaw
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Apr 14, 2005, 10:17 PM

Post #6 of 13 (2266 views)
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Re: [FreddyMedal] Buying still camera for Weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've been using a Canon Powershot G5 (5 MP) digital camera for basic pictures for DVD covers and such, and it works fine for that purpose. If you just need snapshots the consumer-oriented digital cameras are a much better value than the pro models, but they won't get you far if you decide to offer photography services as a professional option. I recently bought a Digital Rebal XT so I can try getting into photography on a more formal basis, and I can see a definite difference in the quality of the images compared to the G5. It all depends what you want to do and how much you're willing to spend.

bc
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May 29, 2005, 9:57 PM

Post #7 of 13 (1951 views)
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Re: [FreddyMedal] Buying still camera for Weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

This great. I just posted a similar question about using a still digital camera for getting my wedding portrait shot for my dvd covers and albums.

I just got a Canon Eos 350D today. I figured since I like still photography as much as I like videography, I might as well try to over those services. I've been asked more than once by clients if I do still photography. I of course can't do both at a wedding, but I want to offer those services if a potential low end client can't afford both services.

Plus, I just want venture out and not get stuck in one place.

Glad to see this forum exist. I've missed it in the past.

Also good to see what others think of the 350D. I know it's not a $8,000 pro camera, but I'm hoping it's enough to break into the business.
___________________________________________________________
Canon GL2, Canon Rebel XT, Mac OS X, Mac G4, Final Cut Express, iMoiveHD,

KevinShaw
Veteran

May 31, 2005, 3:55 PM

Post #8 of 13 (1908 views)
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Re: [bc] Buying still camera for Weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Also good to see what others think of the 350D. I know it's not a $8,000 pro camera, but I'm hoping it's enough to break into the business.

In terms of image quality, I doubt most people would be able to tell the difference between what you'll get from an EOS 350D and what you'd get from digital cameras costing a lot more, especially for typical print sizes up to 8x10". In terms of whether the camera features measure up to what some professionals want to get the best possible shots under all conditions, that's where the EOS may fall a little short by some measures. But then it's all about just knowing what your camera can do and making the best of it, so don't let anyone tell you you can't take great pictures with the EOS or any other decent camera. If you're any good as an artist, you should be able to produce results that your customers will enjoy.

bc
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May 31, 2005, 4:13 PM

Post #9 of 13 (1906 views)
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Re: [kwshaw1] Buying still camera for Weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

Very much agree. I started this weekend learning everything I can about this camera and plan to take a few classes next fall. I think I can make it work for me.
___________________________________________________________
Canon GL2, Canon Rebel XT, Mac OS X, Mac G4, Final Cut Express, iMoiveHD,

garycox
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Jun 2, 2005, 10:16 AM

Post #10 of 13 (1856 views)
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Re: [FreddyMedal] Buying still camera for Weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've had a Canon Digital Rebel for about a year and half now. It's a great camera and takes great photo's when it takes great photo's. One problem I have with it is the auto focus which I have learned more about and it is acceptable, you just have to make sure you are focusing on the correct object or use manual focus. The exposures I've had the most trouble with and haven't quite figured out what makes a good exposure and what doesn't when using all automatic settings for fstop and shutter speed when using a flash. One picture of an object might be underesposed and the next shot of the same object it's good. It appears to be according to how the camera meters the object. I've found setting the auto focus to one point and placing that point on a skin for a medium tone it seems to do best. However, the digital rebel doesn't have flash exposure adjustments which seem to be part of the problem.

I wish I had bought the next one up which I believe was the 10D which is now the 20D. I'm ordering tomorrow the 20D as a lesson learned, spend a little more for what you really need. Fortunately all my digital rebel lens and equipment will work on the 20D.

... Gary

danno
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Jun 2, 2005, 1:33 PM

Post #11 of 13 (1849 views)
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Re: [bc] Buying still camera for Weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Also good to see what others think of the 350D. I know it's not a $8,000 pro camera, but I'm hoping it's enough to break into the business.

I haven't shot with the 350D but the features/price ratio is incredible. I can't believe they (Canon) packed in so many features into a small body. If I were to get the 350D, I'd add the battery grip and buy body-only as the kit lens is a waste of time.

As demonstrated on the video forum, it's not the equipment, it's the shooter.

dan

_________________________________________________________
proud metrosexual.

The Deacon
New User

Jun 2, 2005, 11:20 PM

Post #12 of 13 (1806 views)
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Re: [FreddyMedal] Buying still camera for Weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am fairly new to this business, but I like using both the still camera (Canon 20D) and the Camcorder. Not just for case covers, but also for montages.

garycox
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Jun 14, 2005, 3:59 PM

Post #13 of 13 (1670 views)
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Re: [The Deacon] Buying still camera for Weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

Just received my Canon 20D last week. Compaired to the digital rebel ithe 20D blows it out of the water even on fully automatic settings. I was amazed at how well the camera did and how good the pictures look! I was going to use my digital rebel as a backup camera but I'm not sure in compairison to the 20D if I could even go back to it!

... Gary